Skip to Main Content

Wells Library Makerspace Equipment

How to use the equipment in the Wells Library Makerspace

Silhouette Cameo

Cameo workstation and computer.   Colorful vinyl sheets stacked in the makerspace.

About the Cameo

  • The Silhouette Cameo is a digital cutting machine used for various crafting projects, including scrapbooking, card making and vinyl decals.

Materials

  • We have vinyl, heat transfer vinyl, and card stock available for students.
  • If you need more than a few sheets of materials, please bring in your own.

About the Author

This section of the guide was compiled by Ameya, a former student staff member at the Makerspace. Ameya graduated in May 2024 with a degree in Data Science from the Luddy School.

Clickable button that says make a reservation.

You can design yourself in the free Silhouette Studio program, export any of your Adobe Illustrator files, or simply download any image from the internet. Below are some videos to help you get started with designing your project.


Option 1: Design Yourself


Option 2: Import Files from Adobe Illustrator

 

Option 3: Trace any image in Silhouette Studio

Select Your Material

  • We have sticker vinyl, heat transfer vinyl, and card stock that can be used with the Cameo.
  • All of these materials have predefined cut settings that you can select in the Silhouette Studio.
  • If any of the settings fail to cut your design to the required depth, you can experiment by adjusting the blade depth and force.
  • Additionally, you are free to bring your own materials as long as they are compatible with the Cameo.
  • The video below demonstrates how to select the material in the Silhouette Cameo.

Load the Cutting Mat

  • Always use one of the cutting mats and make sure your materials is secured to the sticky surface.

Send the Design to Cameo

  • Once you have completed the design, loaded the material, and adjusted the cut settings, click "Send" to start the cutting process in the Cameo. 

Note: For Heat Transfer Vinyl the sheet is to be placed facing downwards and select "Send as Mirrored" option for cutting.

Remove the Design from the Mat

  • After the Cameo finishes the cutting job, unload the mat and remove the required design cut.
  • If you used any material other than Sticker Vinyl, you can directly use the designs. However, if you used Sticker Vinyl, use a Transfer Tape, which can be found in the storage above the Cameo, or ask a Makerspace Assistant to help you find it.
  • For Heat Transfer Vinyl, you can directly iron the design onto the cloth. If the design has small cuts or if the plastic film comes out, be sure to place a towel or cloth on top of the design before ironing.

Vinyl Stickers

Graduation Cap Quotes

Coffee Mug Designs

Paper Cut Designs

T-Shirt Designs

Tote Bag Designs